Employment Question

I have the chance to do a course through work. It's a post-grad certificate and certainly well thought of in my industry. It'll take a year to complete.

If I drop out of the course or leave the company up to a year after completing the course, I'm liable for the complete cost (£1k) which I think is fair enough. If I leave between 1 and 2 years after completing the course, I'm liable for £500. Doing the course would tie me to the company for 3 years. I hold a junior position and most likely would have been promoted in March if there wasn't a recession.

All things being equal, I don't see me staying here 3 years being a problem as long as my career is developing as quickly as it ought to. I would hate to be in a position where I'm desperate to leave as my career has stagnated, and be liable for £1k or £500.

What do you reckon, should I go for it? If I don't it would probably look like I lack ambition and I wouldn't progress as quickly. If I do, I'm tied to the company for 3 years irregardless of what happens. How easy would it be for them to make me pay if I left?

If they are prepared to pay for it it must be worthy and over the course of your career will probably pay you the £500 many many times over. If I was in your position i'd go for it if I could shake my laziness.